Scharzhofberger Spatlese 2016

"While its stony mineral nose is quiet, there’s such a kaleidoscope of fruit, earth and floral complexity to be revealed here. Electric-lime acidity is the backdrop to punchy sweet-tart green apple, grapefruit and honeysuckle on the palate. Light footed and filigreed, it finishes with reverberations of salt and grapefruit pith. Better to hold till 2021 but enjoy for decades to come."

Scents of white peach, white currant, lime and grapefruit lead to a lusciously fruited palate strongly citric in its bright juiciness but with less naked sense of electric acidity than in the corresponding Kabinett, or in this years Braune Kupp Sptlese. There is even a hint of creaminess to the texture. A mingling of ripe honeydew melon with alluring, honeysuckle-like inner-mouth perfume further enhances the sense of advanced phenolic evolution that resulted from picking in November, 10 days after the last grapes for Kabinett. To cite deftly integrated acids and residual sugar doesnt begin to do justice to what is displayed here. And yet the finish, as long-lasting as it is, comes off as restrained and tucked in at the edges, no doubt pointing to a wine very much in need of bottle age to show its true potential.

"This is impressively complex and harmonious, with prominent notes of saffron and jasmine framing the core of ripe honeydew melon and nectarine. Drink now through 2038."

Lovely, orange blossom and bergamot/Earl Grey tea nose that's unique. A super-elegant wine that underplays its power and concentration. That makes the finish very delicate and deceptively light. A masterpiece of subtlety that you could drink now or any time during the next 30 years.